Curse of the Scarab King Read online

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  New Concepts Publishing

  www.newconceptspublishing.com

  Copyright ©2007 by Wend Petzler

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  NOTICE: This work is copyrighted. It is licensed only for use by the original purchaser. Making copies of this work or distributing it to any unauthorized person by any means, including without limit email, floppy disk, file transfer, paper print out, or any other method constitutes a violation of International copyright law and subjects the violator to severe fines or imprisonment.

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  CONTENTS

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty One

  Chapter Twenty Two

  Chapter Twenty Three

  Chapter Twenty Four

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  CURSE OF THE SCARAB KING

  By

  WEND PETZLER

  © copyright October 2007, Wend Petzler

  Cover art by Alex DeShanks, © copyright October 2007

  ISBN 978-1-60394-089-4

  New Concepts Publishing

  Lake Park, GA 31636

  www.newconceptspublishing.com

  This is a work of fiction. All characters, events, and places are of the author's imagination and not to be confused with fact. Any resemblance to living persons or events is merely coincidence.

  I dedicate this book to my mother, Carol Ann Pettibone. Thank you, Mom, for letting me be me, even in the crazy times. I love you!

  Chapter One

  Thebes, Egypt 1786 B.C.

  Pharaoh's last breath rattled forth, giving up his ka to enter the Afterlife. Fallen victim to the fatal bite from a wandering Asp, Amenemhet the Fourth had finally succumbed. Unaware, the faithful priests of Amun Ra continued their chanting, the sound deep and mournful.

  Vigilant until his only brother's agonizing end, Setti gripped Amenemhet's limp hand, haunted by what he'd witnessed these past three days. Setti forced back the anguish, slapping an iron control over his exhausted senses, refusing to give in. Resigned, he released Amenemhet and drew the purple linen sheet over his beloved brother's bloated features, unrecognizable from the venom. Inward, Setti grieved. Outward, he remained stone hard, not allowing any emotion to show before his brother's subjects or family. It was to his beloved god Setti turned to. Searching the life-like eyes of Amun Ra, the statue stood beside the altar where Amenemhet lay. Ra's arms were outstretched, seeming ready to take Pharaoh away to his heavenly kingdom.

  Before the venom took his power of speech away, Amenemhet broke tradition and entrusted the care of his newborn son's kingdom by handing it over to Setti until the child came of age. And now, Setti's unexpected elevation to the most powerful man in Egypt seemed surreal. Pushing back the misery in his heart, Setti had not the time to mourn. Destiny took precedent over grief. As Guardian of the Golden Throne, he had his duty to perform.

  Taking a deep breath, Setti rose and faced the gathered nobles and priests. The chanting stopped. “Beloved Pharaoh has gone to be at the right hand of Amun Ra. Pay homage to the great Amenemhet the Fourth."

  The powerful, resonating voice of Imtep, High Priest of Amun Ra, echoed in the long, high-ceiled chamber. “Ra, we call to you. Take your beloved son to his celestial kingdom awaiting him in the Afterlife. May many blessings be gifted to Pharaoh for none was more kind or wise as he."

  Setti squared his bare shoulders. “Priests, come and take Pharaoh. Prepare him for the long journey ahead of him."

  Men and women laid flat on the black, glossy floor as six priests, wearing white linen loincloths, solemnly carried Pharaoh's body past. A strange, hazy circle of light loomed over the covered body. Along the gold inlaid, sandstone walls, chiseled carvings of warriors and hunting predators watched in apathy to the sad procession. Ten lesser wives, wearing robes of black linen, wept and moaned at the loss of their much-loved husband. Anticipation, however, glistened in the dark, calculating eyes of the ruling Queen. SobeKnefru was Amenemhet and Setti's half-sister.

  Deadly as a serpent and beautiful beyond the rising sun, SobeKnefru's ambitious nature never ceased nor did she have the decency to mourn like the others. Revulsion slithered in Setti's stomach. SobeKnefru stared hungrily at him. Tradition in the royal families stated he must take his own flesh and blood as his wife, safekeeping the Throne of Lower and Upper Egypt. But not this Pharaoh! He had other plans and another woman who he wished to make Queen of Egypt.

  His gaze continued on and met those of Nefari, newest of the lesser queens and mother to Amenemhet's only son, a three day old babe in swaddling cloth. Many thanked Ra in his divine wisdom to keep SobeKnefru barren, her malice unable to procreate. Sorrow welled inside Setti. Amenemhet had only held his son briefly before he fell into a coma, never looking upon the child again.

  Distracted from his grief, Setti watched Imtep accept the ceremonial blade from a younger priest. Ramose, the Great Vizier, second most powerful man in Egypt, stood beside Imtep. Bowing in great reverence before Setti, they waited for him to lead the way to the throne. Determined to fulfill his brother's dying wish, Setti strode down the altar steps and across the wide chamber. Halting before the golden pair of large sphinxes guarding the alabaster steps to the Golden Throne of Egypt, Setti turned and faced his people.

  Ramose accepted the sacred knife from Imtep and ordered, “Setti, kneel."

  Dropping to his knees, Setti's mind went numb as Ramose shaved the princely lock of braided, midnight-colored hair signifying his advance to King of Egypt. The ceremony performed tonight gave the Egyptian nobles peace of mind that they had a ruler in charge. In seventy days, Setti would be legally confirmed Egypt's next pharaoh when he donned the sacred Double Crown at sunrise.

  Ramose held the braided lock high above him and bellowed, “May Amun Ra guide the Divine hand of Setti as he sets his feet upon the path of his celestial destiny. Son of Ra, rise and be Pharaoh.” Bowing low to Setti as the warrior climbed to his feet, a shadow of apprehension remained in Ramose's dark eyes when he glanced at the Queen. SobeKnefru glowed, at last free of the studious husband who paled in comparison to his warrior brother, Setti.

  "Hail Setti, Pharaoh of Egypt,” SobeKnefru shouted. Her head held high, she paid homage to her half-brother. Eyes, dark and devious, glittered in hot anticipation. Confident she'd continue in her role of ruling queen, this time sharing the throne with the virile and strong Setti by her side.

  Studying her brother's handsome magnificence, Setti's striking features appeared etched in a stony visage. Proud and noble, Setti stood a full head and shoulders above the average Egyptian. His strong, perfect body and rippling muscles took her breath away. Wrapped around his waist hung a black linen loincloth, fastened by a pleated belt, tied traditionally in front. Lean hips straightened to powerful, muscular legs. Setti looked like the god he was about to become when he accepted the Crook and Scepter of crowned Pharaoh.

  Will he come and claim me as Royal tradition commanded, she wondered?

  Many Egyptians loved to wear jewelry, and Setti was no exception. Ears pierced and adorned with simple, looped gold earrings, gold bracelets were fastened about his wrists and bulging biceps. She admired his intelligent and
piercing almond-shaped eyes. Setti had a way of looking deep into another's eyes to see right into their very soul.

  A small part of her quaked in sudden terror. Can he see what I've done?

  In a great, purposeful voice, Setti addressed his subjects, “Leave us to mourn in private. May Amun Ra bless and keep you.” Setti decided it time to settle a few things with his family, without an audience present to witness the fight that was sure to come. Scanning the crowd, he found his beloved amongst the mourners. A rare expression of sadness creased Yoshabel's lovely features before Jacob, her father, led her away.

  A sinking feeling rose from the pit of Setti's stomach. Why does Yoshabel look as if she is saying goodbye?

  The late Pharaoh's personal bodyguards rounded up the people and ushered them from the Throne room. Sabni, the young priest who held steady vigilance by SobeKnefru's side during the last hours of Amenemhet's life, reluctantly left too. Before exiting, Sabni shot Setti a seething, jealous look. The great, double doors closed with a solid ‘boom.’ Weary, Setti sat on the throne, shivering when his bare skin touched the cold, gold-inlaid wood. Running his hands over the arms bearing the carved lion heads, he curled his long fingers around them. From the back of the throne rose a gold sculptured moon and sun. Extending from the sides of the chair were beautifully detailed wings, all the divine symbols of ruling the Heavens and Earth.

  Pharaoh. The Golden Throne held his weight easily as it had so many pharaohs before him. His shoulders, strong and powerful, able to wield spear and sword with terrifying force, sagged in grief. SobeKnefru rushed to his side, taking his large hands in her fragile-seeming ones.

  "It is over, Setti. You must rest before our wedding.” The gathered women gasped in outrage at her boldness. With a threatening glare, she silenced their objections. SobeKnefru continued on gently, “You know we must move on. It is in the best interest of our kingdom."

  He had always known she was ambitious but to be so crass? Setti rose, scowling down at her delicate, upturned face. SobeKnefru blinked in confusion when he thrust off her possessive hand. “Remember your place, sister. I am Pharaoh, and I will decide when and to whom I shall marry,” Setti ground out in warning. He strode down the carved steps, seeking to place distance between himself and his greedy sister. Later, he would decide what to do with her. Right now all he wanted was to get away from SobeKnefru.

  Rage erupted inside SobeKnefru at Setti's scornful words. She ran after him, not caring who witnessed their fight. “Setti, you of all people know best our laws. To ensure the continuation of our throne and power, we must marry."

  A searing look of pure fury crossed his face as Setti returned her glare. “As Commander of the Egyptian army and soon to be publicly declared Pharaoh, I make the laws now. I, Pharaoh, will decide my own fate. Not you, nor the priests, especially the one who is your lackey. This conversation is over.” Setti spun on his heel and strode away, ending any further arguments. He shoved the double doors wide open, exiting the Throne room.

  Flabbergasted, SobeKnefru stared after him. The rumors were true! Setti planned on marrying a common soldier's daughter instead of his own flesh and blood. She turned to see Sabni, her faithful priest hovering by the massive doors, stunned as she by her brother's words. Setti needed to be taken care of and soon, if she wanted to keep the throne. Never will she be displaced by a mere commoner. Glaring at Nefari who clutched her sleeping son tight against her bosom, the other lesser queens surrounded the frightened girl as if guarding her from a hungry lioness. SobeKnefru stormed out of the chamber. Fearful of her precarious position, she knew if her situation did not change her reign would be brief for she had not borne a child before her husband died. A minor wife had.

  When she married Amenemhet four years past, she cared little if she bore him a child or not. When he chose to take other wives, SobeKnefru took certain precautions in keeping the women as barren as she. The only one she was unable to slip the potion preventing conception was Nefari. The hour too late, her plans to rule alone were unraveling. Nefari's child was the legal heir, if he lived to claim Egypt.

  If?

  Many possibilities in ridding the young prince swirled in her chaotic mind. First, Setti needed to be taken care of and soon, before he rearranged her life.

  "Queen SobeKnefru, what shall we do?” Sabni said, worried by the calculating way she stared at him.

  "My love,” SobeKnefru's silky-smooth voice deepened seductively. Her slender hand lifted, caressing the hard, bare plains of his exposed chest. “Come with me. Let the others prepare my husband's burial. We need to make our own plans."

  Nervous, swallowing difficult, Sabni forced his way past the sudden lump in his throat. “What kind of plans?"

  "A plan which will keep me Queen of Egypt, maybe even become Pharaoh Queen.” Walking beside Sabni, SobeKnefru contemplated her options. “You are Guardian of the Black Book. There must be something inside it to aid me in obtaining the Double Crown of Egypt."

  Stunned by her words, he blinked several times at the forbidden thought of a woman becoming Pharaoh. Following the voluptuous beauty, fear in his heart, Sabni knew not what SobeKnefru might ask him to do, or if he had the courage to deny her. Since the Black Book had come into his possession, SobeKnefru encouraged his advances, recently becoming his lover. He cared not why SobeKnefru shared the elusive secrets of her lush body, only falling more in love with every passing moment shared in her pale, perfumed arms.

  Khet Ne Kemit Shoit, The Black Book of Fire, was a sacred book passed down through generations to a priest who had inherited the Gift of Ra—the Second Sight. A collection of powerful spells and rare incantations, many believed it linked mere mortals to the Gods. Produced from the eternal, scorching fires of the dark Underworld, some spells were rumored to be potent enough to raise the dead.

  Once they were alone, he warned, “We must be careful! Many are loyal to Setti and would gladly slit our throats rather than present our betrayal to the new Pharaoh."

  "They cannot remain loyal to him if Setti is removed, leaving me to rule Egypt alone.” Smiling, she licked her full, pomegranate-red lips in anticipation of possessing all the powers belonging to Egypt.

  "I will not shed Royal blood,” he whispered, glancing uneasily about the shadowy corridors, worried someone might be eavesdropping upon their conversation.

  "Nor do I ask such a thing from you. Setti is my only living flesh and blood, besides the newborn prince. We need to find a way to place Setti somewhere safe while I rule in his stead,” her warm, sultry voice purred.

  A thoughtful frown puckered his brow. Sabni pondered the many possibilities of casting a spell upon the new Pharaoh. Perhaps one in which Setti might be placed in a death-like state, and SobeKnefru could legally become Queen Pharaoh and rule Egypt. At least until Amenemhet's son came of age. If the child survives, Sabni thought nervously, seeing SobeKnefru quite determined to keep her rightful place upon the Golden Throne. At any cost.

  "I might be able to find a suitable spell in the Black Book."

  A beguiling smile curved her soft, red lips. She tenderly caressed his cheek. “I knew I could rely on you. For your loyalty to me, I will make you High Priest of Sobek, the Crocodile God to whom I worship. And when I am Queen Pharaoh, I will abandon Amun Ra. The Crocodile God shall rule supreme over the Sun God. When can you start the preparations?” she asked breathlessly, unable to hide the ambitious gleam in her dark eyes.

  The heady thought of becoming High Priest vanquished his doubts. His clever mind began to plot. “I believe it best if we wait until after Pharaoh Amenemhet's burial."

  "They expect me to bide my time! I must change tactics and strike now. Setti plans to marry that stupid peasant girl, Yoshabel. She will be queen, not I!” SobeKnefru snarled.

  Stunned, Sabni conceded she was right. “Tomorrow night we shall make you Pharaoh Queen.” Bowing low to SobeKnefru, Sabni hurried away. He had a long night ahead of him.

  Denied the role of reigning queen will send
me over the edge of sanity, SobeKnefru swore, furious at the injustice of her situation. A seed of real fear crept into her fierce heart when she thought of the simpering sweet Yoshabel as Queen of Egypt. To keep peace, Setti might cast her out of Thebes to a faraway estate, preventing her from interfering with the newlyweds. No longer being part of politics or the delicious intrigue accompanying it nearly made SobeKnefru cry.

  Why could I not have been Father's one and only child? Her ascension to the Egyptian Throne would have been much easier and less messy with the deaths she caused to attain the Double Crown. An evil fire blazed in the dark depths of SobeKnefru's eyes as she gazed over the hypnotic waters of the river Nile.

  "By tomorrow, I will take the title of Queen Pharaoh and rule Egypt better than any man ever has. All of Egypt shall bow down to me and worship me as a true goddess! My name will be remembered long after the sands reclaim the pyramids and my people have vanished with time.” SobeKnefru grew heady in the knowledge that power—true power—was close at hand. Confident her rise to power would be successful, SobeKnefru trusted Sabni, for he had never failed her. Never.

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  Fatigued, Setti entered his own chambers, wishing to bathe and sleep. SobeKnefru could be dealt later when he was at his full strength and ready to face her deceptive ways. Running a hand over his freshly shaved head, the odd sensation of being completely bald enforced his affirmation.

  Removing the armbands and bracelets, he placed the items on the table near the doorway. Setti untied the pleated belt from around his hips and let his loincloth fall to the floor. Kicking off his leather sandals, he stepped into his private bathing pool. Sighing from the pleasure of hot water surrounding him, it soothed his aching muscles, stiff and sore from his protective vigilance over his suffering brother. Having not eaten or slept in three days, he had stayed beside his brother just in case SobeKnefru tried to hasten Amenemhet's death.

  Was she the cause of Pharaoh's death? SobeKnefru.